It is being run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by GPs on a three-month trial to see if it works out.

Royal London's chief executive Jackie Sullivan said: "This will help ease the pressure on our emergency department for those in life-threatening situations."

Patients who go to A&E with non-emergencies are being assessed and redirected to the new clinic. But those with serious injuries or medical emergencies still need to dial 999 or go to A&E, it is stressed.